2 indicted in graft probe in Lawrence

O’Ryan JohnsonWednesday, September 12, 2012

Two indictments were handed down yesterday in an ongoing investigation into corruption in Lawrence Mayor William Lantigua’s City Hall by state prosecutors, the FBI and the state Inspector General’s office.

Former mayor Lenny Degnan, who is also Lantigua’s former chief of staff, and Deputy Police Superintendent Melix Bonilla were both served indictments and are due to appear in Essex Superior Court today.

“The crimes alleged by these indictments represent a serious breach of the public trust,” said Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett. “These indictments are the result of a lengthy and continuing investigation.”

Degnan is accused of soliciting a bribe, unlawful use of official position, conspiracy, and extortion or attempted extortion, for allegedly using his position to force a manager at Allied Waste to donate a trash truck to a city in the Dominican Republic, the DA said.

Bonilla is accused of fraudulent conversion of city property, unlawful use of official position, conspiracy, and extortion or attempted extortion, for fraudulently transferring ownership of 13 motor vehicles that belonged to the Lawrence police to an automotive sales agency with a close affiliation to Lantigua. Bonilla has been placed on leave, police said.

“This matter has been a cloud over the department for almost two years,” Lawrence Police Chief John J. Romero said. “The actions by the grand jury are a positive first step.”